What is the purpose of a reading scaffold?

The purpose of a reading scaffold is to temporarily assist students with understanding texts. Scaffolding in education refers to the support provided to students that helps them achieve a higher level of understanding or skill. This support is designed to be temporary, enabling students to gradually develop their abilities and become more independent learners. By providing tools such as guided questions, graphic organizers, or direct instruction, scaffolding helps bridge the gap between what the student currently knows and what they need to learn.

As students gain confidence and improve their skills, the support can be gradually removed, allowing them to tackle more complex texts on their own. This approach not only aids comprehension but also fosters independence, essential for long-term learning.